A sudden shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders has hit Rajshahi, leaving consumers and small businesses struggling to secure supplies even after paying higher prices.
Consumers and retailers said adequate supplies are not available in the market, while dealers are failing to deliver cylinders in line with demand.
Retailers claimed that limited quantities are reaching the market at inflated prices, far below daily requirements.
As a result, ordinary households and small business owners have been pushed into severe hardship. Buyers said a 12-kg LPG cylinder that sold for Tk1,250 last week is now costing around Tk1,600, forcing customers to pay an additional Tk350 per cylinder.
The price hike has placed extra pressure on middle- and low-income families already grappling with rising living costs.
Market visits showed that LPG cylinders of only a few brands, mainly Omera LPG and Fresh LPG, are currently available, while supplies from other companies are largely absent. With few alternatives, consumers said they are being compelled to buy gas at inflated prices.
Hotel owners and tea stall operators said the abnormal price rise has made it difficult to run their businesses. Several said they are operating at a loss, as higher fuel costs cannot be passed on fully to customers.
Retailers echoed the concerns, saying they are unable to meet customer demand due to inadequate supplies from dealers. They alleged that even when gas is available, it is supplied in limited quantities and at higher-than-expected prices.
Dealers, however, declined to comment on the situation when approached.
Consumers urged the authorities to intervene immediately to normalise LPG supplies and bring prices under control, warning that prolonged shortages could further disrupt household life and small businesses across the city.
